Despite the laughs, however, Leno’s condition was no joking matter when he first was admitted to the Grossman Burn Center on Nov. 12 after suffering second- and third-degree burns on his face, chest and hands. On November 12, 2022, Leno suffered “serious burns” to his face and hands when a vehicle at his Los Angeles garage burst into flames. He claims to need only four or five hours of sleep each night.
Leno made his first appearance on The Tonight Show on March 2, 1977, performing a comedy routine. During the 1970s, he had minor roles in several television series and films, first in the 1976 episode “J.J. in Trouble” of Good Times, and the same year in the pilot of Holmes & Yo-Yo. After an uncredited appearance in the 1977 film Fun with Dick and Jane, he played more prominent roles in 1978 in American Hot Wax and Silver Bears. His only starring film role was the 1989 direct-to-video Collision Course, with Pat Morita. He also appeared numerous times on Late Night with David Letterman.
The illness was not initially disclosed, but Leno later told People magazine that it was for exhaustion. The comedian and car lover has been very happy with brett boles the EVs he has bought. He worked as a mechanic while rising through the ranks as a stand-up comedian, and he now owns more than 280 unique vehicles.
On July 1, 2010, Variety reported that total viewership for Leno’s Tonight Show had dropped from 5 million to 4 million for the second quarter of 2010, compared to the same period in 2009. Although it represented the show’s lowest second-quarter ratings since 1992, Tonight was still the most-watched late night program, ahead of ABC’s Nightline (3.7 million) and Late Show with David Letterman (3.3 million). He left The Tonight Show on Friday, May 29, 2009, and Conan O’Brien took over on June 1, 2009. On “Jay Leno’s Garage,” Leno chats with car enthusiasts about favorite makes and models in addition to showing off his prized collection of cars, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.
He spends much of his free time visiting car collections and working in his private garage. Jimmy Kimmel was another prominent figure that was critical of Leno. Kimmel discussed his appearance on Leno’s show during an interview with Marc Maron for the latter’s podcast in 2012. Kimmel stated that he felt O’Brien was not given a proper chance, but that he was also motivated by his own history with Leno. According to Kimmel, Leno had some years prior been in serious discussions with ABC about the possibility of jumping ship from NBC. During this period, Leno initiated a friendship with Kimmel, wanting to ensure that they would be on good terms if the move was made.